Noel never thought about quitting after a season-ending ACL tear in his first and only season at Kentucky. The Wildcats' performance declined following Noel's injury Feb. 12, and they became a rare defending national champion not to return to the NCAA tournament the next season.

He said his mother was his inspiration when it came to rehabilitating his knee to show NBA teams he was worthy as a top pick in the NBA draft.

"Coming to America from Haiti, working two jobs, she never quit so I could be where I'm at today," said Noel. "I wasn't about to give up."

"This has been his dream since he was a little boy. I just told him to keep working and good things would come," Dorcina Noel said.

Targeting November as a return date, Noel moved to Birmingham, Ala. to be near physical therapist Kevin Wilk. After several months of rehab, Wilk declared Noel "ahead of schedule" before the draft. Noel also met with team doctors for the top three picks-the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards to receive clearance.

"It's all good," Kentucky coach John Calipari said of Noel's selection in the draft. "I'm just so happy for Nerlens and his family."

Though Noel's defensive presence presents a challenge for opponents, his offensive game is far from a finished product - Noel scores more based on his hustle and activity level.

"I want to work on my mid-range jumper and become a more polished player offensively," he said.

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